Magic Kingdom was built based on the inspiration from Disneyland Park, but they’re not identical.

Some folks may confuse the names and terminology, but when you see things side by side, you can usually notice right off the bat that there are distinct differences. We’ve already explored the complete breakdown of Disney World vs. Disneyland. Today, we’re going to explore the nuances between the two iconic castles.

Before we look at how different these castles are, let’s review what they have in common.

Similarities

Architectural Inspiration

Both castles were built based on the inspiration of the grand European castles from history. Bavaria’s Neuschwanstein Castle was a particular location of interest, inspiring those tall spires and towers.

Fortifications

Both castles have a moat that flows in front of it and a drawbridge for guests to walk over to gain entrance into the castle. At Disneyland, the drawbridge was actually lowered on opening day, providing a grand spectacle.

And at Disney World, there was one attraction, the Swan Boats, that took guests on a slow tour of the water canal passing under the drawbridge.

Internal Secrets

These castles aren’t just facades. They each have their own secrets inside their halls (we’ll explore those secrets later when we compare their differences)

Central Placement

Both castles are what Walt Disney referred to as “wienies,” a visual enticement used to lure guests further into the park instead of lingering at the entrance. They are the centerpiece of their park, the core of the hub in Walts’ hub and spoke concept, and the main stage for the nighttime projections and fireworks shows.

These castles are also the gateway into Fantasyland, where guests symbolically pass through the gate from Main Street, U.S.A., into a world of fantasy.

Differences

Size

This might be one of the most obvious differences between the two castles. Disneyland’s castle is charming and lovely, but a mere 77 feet tall. Disney Imagineers used the famed forced perspective method to help make it appear taller. To put this in perspective, your average 2-story house is 35 feet tall, so the Disneyland castle is about the size of two 2-story houses stacked on top of each other.

The Magic Kingdom castle is 189 feet tall. And though it is more than twice the height of the Disneyland castle, the Imagineers also used forced perspective to give that majestic stature and presence in the center of the park.

Owners

The original castle, the castle that started the trend of “castle parks” around the globe, is Sleeping Beauty Castle. Sleeping Beauty was Disney’s 16th animated release, which debuted in 1959. Soft pinks and greyish blues that comprise the castle are subtle nods to its dozing owner.

Magic Kingdom’s castle is the residence of Cinderella. Cinderella was Disney’s 12th animated feature film, released in 1950. Earlier iterations of Cinderella Castle donned blue, silver, and grey to mimic Cinderella’s ethereal dress from the Fairy Godmother. Currently, it received a bit of makeover for the Disney World 50th Celebration, and now it is more pink and coordinates with her older sister on the west coast.

Internal Secrets

Both castles have spaces and compartments inside.

There are two areas to explore within Sleeping Beauty Castle. The first is the main walkway, which acts as a transit corridor between sections of the park. The second is the castle walkthrough, within which you can explore the story of Sleeping Beauty via a series of dioramas. For those interested in visiting, be aware that the walkway is narrow and winding and includes stairs. An accessible option via a virtual screen is also available.

Like Disneyland’s castle, Disney World’s castle includes a walkthrough that’ll take you from the main entry into Fantasyland. However, Florida’s version does not include walkthrough attractions. Instead, guests wanting to visit the inside of Cinderella Castle have few options from which to choose.

You can make a reservation to dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table, an elegant dining experience inside the castle. And select special guests have had the opportunity to stay inside the Cinderella Castle Suite, a two-room suite high in the towers of the castle.

Age

Sleeping Beauty Castle was the first of all of the Disney castles and was presented to the public in 1955, when Disneyland opened. Cinderella Castle came around when Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. But though Sleeping Beauty Castle is 16 years older, they both go through rigorous cleaning, refurbishments, and maintenance to keep them in prime condition.

Both castles are beautiful and uniquely epitomize the character and culture of the park in which they reside. We love seeing them through all of their seasonal changes and celebratory adornments. Stay tuned to DFB for all of the news and trivia about Disney castles and the parks!

VIDEO: This Disney Castle Glow-Up Will Make Cinderella Castle Jealous

Which Disney castle holds your heart? Let us know in the comments below!